Two Midland legal practices are among the first in the country to secure a membership of a new initiative which rewards firms’ excellence in the home buying process.

The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) has been introduced to recognise high standards in conveyancing and deter fraud in the residential property market.

Rajput Solicitors based in Sparkhill was the first firm in the Midlands that successfully underwent the rigorous assessment by the Law Society and Solihull firm Wallace Robinson & Morgan was also one of the first practices in the country to secure membership of the scheme.

Law Society president Linda Lee said: “CQS improves efficiency with common, consistent standards and service levels and enables consumers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service. Buying a home is one of the largest purchases anyone will make in their lifetime, so it is essential that it is done to the highest standard by a solicitor.

“There are many different conveyancing service providers out there, making it difficult for home buyers to identify those which can ensure a safe and efficient level of service.”

“It is recognition of the high standards we provide to our residential property clients and is a signal to future home buyers of the excellent service level we provide at what is often a stressful time for many people.

“The overall beneficiaries will be clients who use Rajput Solicitors when buying a home. They will receive a reliable, efficient service as recognised by the CQS standard.”

It is open only to members of the Law Society and to those who meet the demanding standards the scheme will set and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, and the Association of British Insurers.

Tim Langford, head of residential conveyancing at Wallace Robinson and Morgan said: “For over 155 years, Wallace Robinson & Morgan has delivered legal services of excellent quality, focused on integrity, communication and professionalism.

“I am proud that my team has been recognised by the Law Society as operating to the highest standards that are completely aligned with the CQS values.

“I believe that membership of CQS is a testament to our ethos of putting the client first.

“Unlike some other firms, we do not pay estate agents for client referrals.

“As a result our integrity and independence is not compromised and we avoid any potential conflict of interest.

“As members of the CQS, rather than just processing a transaction, we shall continue to provide advice to our clients and to deliver a quality and professional service.”